Friends and family calling on you are a pleasure, but other unexpected visitors to your home can be a cause for concern. With outdoor security cameras, you can always be in the loop about who is entering your space, and anything going on on your property. Whether it’s a delivery, a guest, or something more serious, outdoor security cameras will give you a heads up about anything unusual the moment it happens, and allow you to keep an eye out for issues around the clock. Outdoor security cameras with audio functions can also be a great way to greet your guests as they arrive and welcome them to your home. We’ve put together a list of some of the best outdoor security cameras available now. We’ve chosen these security cameras for their discreet design, innovative features, and ease of installation. Keep reading to find the perfect way to upgrade your security system and help keep your home safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do outdoor security cameras record constantly?
Outdoor security cameras keep their eyes trained on your property, but their cameras are not always recording. The majority of security cameras respond to movement, and will only begin documenting their surroundings when there is motion in their vicinity. Most cameras will only continue recording for a few minutes after any disturbance has stopped, allowing you to check in and review the footage at a later time. This means that you are always free to check in on your camera’s feed, but your neighbors need not worry about being caught on film.
Do outdoor security cameras have audio capabilities?
Similar to other pieces of smart home technology, many outdoor security cameras have audio capabilities that allow you to listen in on whatever is taking place on your property. This allows you to pick up more information during any disturbance, leaving you better able to decide how to respond. Two-way audio devices also allow you to speak through your camera, so you can greet your guests, or let unwanted visitors know that you are watching.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right outdoor security camera system to protect your home and family is as important as choosing the right home. However, knowing exactly what boxes your system needs to check to provide the best coverage for your property can be tricky. Keeping in mind a few factors can help you to bring home an outdoor security camera system that will cover all of your bases. Consider the vantage points around your property, how best to power your device, and how you plan to review your security footage, and you can come away with a security camera system that will help you feel your safest.
Keeping an eye on every corner of your property is vital if you want to minimize security risks. However, just like we can only pay attention to so much at once, our camera systems also have their limitations. The architecture of your home, landscape features such as hills or trees, and distance between points of concern can all create blind spots around your property. These areas that your camera can’t see can provide opportunities for trouble and increase your security risks. If you feel the layout of your space might leave some areas out of the scope of your security camera, consider investing in a multi-camera system so that you can rest assured that they are looking after every inch of your property. Multi-camera systems also offer redundancy so you can count on backup cameras to record the scene if one of your devices stops working or powers down for any reason.
Knowing how you plan to keep your system running is also a key consideration. If you are unable to stay on top of powering up your cameras, dead devices can lead to windows in your security system and opportunities that unwanted guests might take advantage of. Many outdoor security cameras are battery-operated, and boast impressive battery life that will mean you can go weeks or even months without having to worry about switching out your power cells. It is common for manufacturers to bundle cameras with smart technology that can nudge you with a reminder when it is time to refresh their batteries, but it can still be easy to forget to renew their power supply. Due to the outdoor nature of security cameras, many also take advantage of solar technology to make sure they stay powered around the clock. Outdoor security cameras with integrated solar panels are a great choice for those of us who anticipate we may neglect to change out our batteries reliably, or those who are installing security in a property they are not always present at and can’t commit to maintaining. In many properties, it is also possible to wire your outdoor security cameras into your power grid, so that you can count on them to stay juiced up and keep their eyes on your valuables no matter what.
You’ll also need to consider how you want to review your footage after your outdoor security camera system is set up. Most security camera systems are compatible with smart home systems. This means that you can check in on their feed with your smartphone or tablet device, and can see what is happening at your property with the tap of a finger. These systems also allow you to control recording functions and save important clips to your cloud-based storage. By keeping these important considerations in mind, you are certain to find an outdoor security camera system that you can count on to keep your home safe.
Blink Outdoor – wireless, weather-resistant HD security camera, two-year battery life, motion detection, set up in minutes – 3 camera kit
Best Overall
Durable Design
This outdoor security camera has infrared night vision that allows you to check in on your property round the clock, no matter how much light is available.
Additional Content:
Pros:
- This camera is easy to install and set up quickly
- This system has crystal clear image quality that allows you to make out figures easily
Cons:
- May present problems if not fully updated
This outdoor security camera boasts incredible battery life, and can function for up to two years on regular AA lithium batteries.
Security Camera Wireless Outdoor, Solar Powered WiFi System, Pan Tilt, 2K Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, Works with Alexa/ Google Assistant/ Cloud for Video Surveillance, REOLINK Argus PT w/ Solar Panel
Runner Up
Environmentally Friendly
This solar-powered system is completely free of wires and is able to power itself up and remain fully charged for long periods of time.
Additional Content:
Pros:
- This camera pairs well with popular smart home systems
- Charges efficiently even in low or indirect light
Cons:
- May have difficulty syncing with certain devices and alert systems
This outdoor security camera is highly sensitive and can recognize humans and vehicles in order to alert you to specific occurrences and situations.
Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor with Spotlight & Siren, Dzees 1080P Battery Powered WiFi Cameras for Home Security, AI Motion Detection, Color Night Vision, 2-Way Talk, Waterproof, SD/Cloud
Contender
Powerful Lighting
This powerful camera uses artificial intelligence to recognize figures in the footage it collects and allows you to trace and monitor specific individuals.
Additional Content:
Pros:
- This camera sits on a mount that is easy to adjust and point in any desired direction
- This camera features an integrated micro USB charging port and extra slots for memory cards
Cons:
- Battery cannot be replaced
This camera features security precautions such as sirens and spotlights that allow you to jump into action if it notifies you of a threat to your home or property.
Security Camera Outdoor, Wireless WiFi IP Camera Home Security System 360° View,Motion Detection, auto Tracking,Two Way Talk,HD 1080P pan Tile Full Color Night Vision Boavision
Recommended
Panoramic View
This outdoor security camera has precise motion tracking and is able to carefully follow and record any disturbances that it detects on your property.
Additional Content:
Pros:
- The picture quality is crisp and won’t appear fuzzy or grainy
- Can clearly capture activity on even very large properties
Cons:
- May be difficult to position and direct precisely
This camera can be preprogrammed with automated responses such as floodlight activation, that trigger when certain conditions are met.
Security Camera Outdoor, 1080P HD Wireless Rechargeable Battery Powered WiFi Home Surveillance Camera with Waterproof, Night Vision, Motion Detection, 2-Way Audio and SD Storage
Also Consider
Weather Proof
This outdoor security camera includes an integrated battery that offers up to six months of longevity and that is easy to charge when it needs to be refreshed.
Additional Content:
Pros:
- The motion detection capabilities of this camera trigger even at a distance
- Features an easy-to-use and control app
Cons:
- Does not come with a micro SD card
This outdoor security camera uses smart technology to adapt to any available ambient light so that it can offer crisp color footage even in low light conditions.
